Madrid is a city full of things to see and a thousand activities to do, but did you know that near the capital there are also many places worth discovering? Madrid's surroundings have beautiful places and landscapes that you can see in just a few hours and that will surprise you, so come and visit them!
The best day trips from Madrid
In this article we present you the best destinations for a day trip from Madrid. If you are staying several days in the city and you are looking for different plans, take advantage of these recommendations to venture out of the urban environment and discover the surroundings of the capital.
Toledo
As well as being an essential getaway from Madrid, Toledo is a perfect city to visit in just a few hours. Known as the city of the Three Cultures, where Muslims, Christians and Jews lived side by side, it is also a World Heritage Site, so there is plenty to see in Toledo.
The Cathedral, the Alcázar, Santo Tomé, the Church of the Jesuits and the synagogue of Santa María la Blanca are just some of the wonders you can't miss. If you want to visit all the most important monuments of the city, we recommend you buy the Tourist Bracelet, which will give you access to all these places.
You can get to Toledo from Madrid in about an hour by car, or by public transport (about 35 minutes by train from Atocha station).
Aranjuez
55 kilometres from Madrid is another essential visit if you are staying in the capital. You can get lost in the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and the impressive gardens of the city, an ensemble that is recognised by Unesco. Be sure to book your visit in advance to avoid queues.
Aranjuez is easily accessible from the centre of Madrid and is located about 40 minutes away by car and 45 minutes by train.
Segovia
One of the most important cities to see on a day trip from Madrid is Segovia, known for its imposing Roman aqueduct, an engineering marvel that you must see once in your life. Other highlights include the Alcázar fortress, the city walls, and the Cathedral of Santa María.
In the same province there are other places worth visiting, such as Sepúlveda and Pedraza, two towns with a very interesting past to discover. You can reach Segovia in about 70 minutes by car or an hour and a half by train from Madrid city centre.
Sierra de Guadarrama National Park
Located less than an hour's drive from Madrid, Sierra de Guadarrama is perfect to visit from the capital. The National Park is located right in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, dividing the Castilian plateau in two, and presents all kinds of landscapes, vegetation and fauna of great interest.
This protected natural area is ideal for hiking and cycling routes and excursions, as well as mountain sports such as climbing and skiing. Dare to climb to the summit of Peñalara, the highest mountain in the region of Madrid, or discover the diverse ecosystem with one of the botanical and ornithological routes that take place in the park.
Alcalá de Henares
Just 35 kilometres from the capital you will find one of the most important cities in the Madrid region. In Alcalá de Henares you can visit the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, and Colegio de San Ildefonso, as well as stroll along the historic and always lively main street. Another highly recommended visit is its Corral de Comedias, one of the oldest in Europe.
You can get there from Madrid on the C2 and C7 commuter train lines or by car, about 40 minutes away.
Stay in the heart of Madrid
If you are planning a trip to Madrid, we invite you to stay in style at The Principal Madrid, a benchmark of luxury in the capital. Located in the heart of Gran Vía, our 5-star boutique hotel in Madrid offers you the best services for unforgettable days in the city.
You will find the ultimate wellness in our elegant rooms and fitness and wellbeing space, which you can complement with beauty treatments and relaxing massages. You also have at your disposal the casual cuisine of the Ático restaurant, a gastronomic proposal that will delight you from the first bite.
